Myanmar pledges efforts to prevent human trafficking

Myanmar is making serious efforts to prevent human trafficking and illegal migration and implementing preventive measures throughout the nation, said a statement by the country's ministry of foreign affairs on Wednesday.

Voicing deep concern over victims of human trafficking and illegal migration, the statement said Myanmar navy and air force would make regular patrolling on its territorial waters to deter any illegal trespassing and to provide safety for the trespassers, Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar stood ready to provide humanitarian assistance to anyone who suffered in the sea, the statement said, adding that the Rakhine state government was also endeavouring to prevent such illegal activities on sea and measures were in place to maintain rule of law and security for all individuals there.

The Myanmar foreign ministry's statement was issued in response to recent reports by the international media on migrant and boat people in the Andaman Sea and the Straits of Malacca.